Chapter 1159: Travel (3) The Waves

Theodore slept well. Stretching, he felt instantly awake. He glanced around, expecting Little Bunny to be gone, and she was. He remained calm; he’d accepted her rejection. The first thing she'd do upon waking was avoid him, anyway.

He washed up and went downstairs, but she wasn't in the lobby. Where had she gone?

He walked to the villa's backyard. An infinity pool, spectacular from afar as it blended with the ocean, dominated the space. Little Bunny was swimming. It was the first time Theodore had seen her swim. Sunlight glinted on the water and her body, highlighting her skin.

He watched until she noticed him. She exited the pool, wearing a leopard-print bikini. Was she certain he wouldn't act on his impulses? How could she appear before him like this? He fought the urge to pull at the strings of her bikini.

"Morning," she said, grabbing a robe. She was accustomed to his intense gaze, showing neither shyness nor embarrassment. Perhaps her indifference stemmed from their frequent intimacy.

She donned the robe and dried her hair. Theodore felt a surge of tension, the urge to pounce overwhelming. He spun around, murmuring, "No desire, no pursuit..."

"Theodore?" she asked, surprised.

He took a deep breath. "After breakfast, we'll go to sea. Change your clothes."

"Okay."

He fled, feeling a profound sense of self-disgust. The mighty Theodore, reduced to panicked flight by a woman.

After breakfast, they boarded the speedboat. Only the two of them ventured out to sea, Theodore at the helm. Once in the middle, he stopped the boat, letting it drift. Little Bunny enjoyed the view from the deck.

"Want to try the motorboat?" he asked, approaching her.

"I haven't before."

"It's easy. I'll teach you," he said.

"No thanks. I'll just lie down," she replied.

"It's not as fun without it," he persisted. "Come on, it's simple; you'll learn quickly."

She hesitated, fearing his displeasure if she refused.

"I'll change," she said, needing a swimsuit to avoid getting wet.

"Okay, I'll wait." Her agreement pleased him.

As she reappeared, his gaze intensified. Was she tempting him? The leopard-print bikini again, accentuating her curves.

"What's wrong?" she frowned.

"I didn't expect you to like this style," he said calmly.

"The butler brought it," she explained. "I forgot my swimsuit, so I asked him this morning. There's a chiffon skirt, too. If you don't like it, I can put that on."

She turned to change.

"No," Theodore quickly stopped her. He was both drawn to the ambiguity and irritated, wondering if the butler had ulterior motives.

"Shall we go?" she asked.

He regained his composure, forcing himself to focus. He helped her onto the motorboat and explained how to operate it, circling behind her to demonstrate, his arms around her waist.

She studied intently. She reasoned that since she was there for enjoyment, she might as well enjoy herself.

He rode a short distance, then released her. "Try it."

"Okay."

She twisted the throttle, starting slowly.

"Speed up," he prompted.

She increased the power. He unconsciously held her waist, enjoying the feel of her against him.

"Too fast?" she asked.

"No, it's great," he replied, his grip tightening.

He wanted to hold her longer, the speed intensifying his desire. She remained focused on driving until they were quite far from shore.

She turned to head back, but their speed caused them to hit a wave.

"Ah!" she screamed.

They were thrown from the motorboat. Little Bunny gasped for air, separated from Theodore by the waves. She struggled, her leg cramping, panic setting in. The thought of Nicholas, alone if anything happened to her, kept her going as consciousness slipped away.

Then, she felt someone swimming frantically towards her, pulling her close. In that moment of utter despair, she felt safe again. Theodore had saved her. His eyes were red, his face pale, reflecting his fear.